IceHogs News

The Chicago Blackhawks announced today the organization will hold a blood and bone marrow drive, in conjunction with LifeSource, Chicagoland’s Blood Center, at the United Center on Wednesday, September 16 from 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.

Registered donors for the drive can watch the Blackhawks training camp practice at the United Center that day from 10:00 A.M. to 11:45 P.M. Donors can also enter a random drawing to win two tickets to Chicago’s regular-season home opener at the United Center against the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday, October 10 at 7:30 P.M., along with autographed Blackhawks hats.

“My wife Sue and I feel that it’s our responsibility to educate others on the ease of joining the National Bone Marrow Registry and donating blood,” Blackhawks General Manager Stan Bowman said.

Bowman was first diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in February 2007 at the age of 33 before having a reoccurrence of the disease 10 months later. He underwent a stem-cell transplant, which required doctors to take blood from his bone marrow and separate the cells, before replenishing the blood. Since that treatment, Bowman has been cancer free.

“I realize how fragile life is and am fortunate to be in remission, but I certainly don’t take it for granted,” Bowman added. “There are a great deal of people fighting cancer and other illnesses each day that so desperately need a bone marrow transplant or blood transfusion. I would like to encourage our passionate and supportive Blackhawks fans to participate in this great event.”

Complimentary parking is available for the event in the United Center’s Lot K and donors can enter through Gate 7. For more information or to register for the blood and bone marrow drive, visit lifesource.org or call (847) 803-7943.